Tanzania unveils plans to launch more gem and mineral auctions
DODOMA: Organizing gemstone and mineral auctions and exhibition are the projects the Mining Commission of Tanzania has unveiled in the series of development projects and investment opportunities aimed at boosting youth participation in the mining sector in the 2026/2027 financial year.
Speaking to the media today, March 16, 2026, in Dodoma on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Engineer Ramadhani Lwamo, Director of Mine Inspection and Environment, Engineer Hamisi Kamando, said the initiatives are designed to create an enabling environment for young Tanzanians to engage fully in mining and mineral trading.
Additionally, he said that among the planned initiatives is the continued construction of Regional Resident Mining Officer offices through competitive tenders, with youths encouraged to track and seize opportunities arising during project implementation.
“The construction of offices will open doors for youth engagement. We are urging them to follow tender announcements and actively participate,” he said.
Moreover, he said that the commission also plans to organize gem and mineral auctions and exhibitions, while designating mining areas specifically for youth based on the types of minerals available in various regions.
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Furthermore, Eng Kamando stated that collaboration with the Geological Survey of Tanzania (GST) and the State Mining Corporation – STAMICO is ongoing to facilitate access to geological data and train youths in modern mining equipment use.
“Financial institutions, including banks, are also being engaged to enable youth access to investment capital,” he said.
Highlighting achievements under the Tanzanian Participation in Mining regulations, Kamando revealed that from July to December 2025, mines procured goods and services worth 3.8tri/- from Tanzanian-owned companies, including youth-led businesses, with 20 products reserved exclusively for fully Tanzanian-owned companies.
He also said that the Commission signed an agreement with CRDB Bank on February 23, 2026, to help small-scale gold miners, especially youth, access financing for investments.
On value addition, Kamando said the government continues to enforce policies ensuring that locally produced minerals are processed before export. Seven processing plants are operational, creating 273 jobs, mostly benefiting youths, while minerals worth 5.802tri/- were value-added domestically between July and December 2025.
Furthermore, he said that through the “Mining for Better Tomorrow – MBT” initiative, 273 licenses were issued to 183 youth groups between July and December 2025 in regions including Mara, Kagera, Shinyanga, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Njombe. These groups work in gold, copper, gemstones, salt, and construction minerals, providing 2,550 direct jobs for young Tanzanians by December 2025.
The government prioritized small-scale miners, issuing 5,983 licenses during the same period—71 percent of all licenses—reserved exclusively for Tanzanians aged 18 to 45. Additionally, the Ministry of Minerals has earmarked 65 areas for small-scale mining in regions such as Mtwara, Manyara, Lindi, Morogoro, Dodoma, Tabora, Geita, Shinyanga, Mwanza, and Mbeya to further empower youth participation and contribute to national economic growth.
